The Story Behind This Blog

I'm Larry Leo, and I've watched two daughters elope — for two completely different reasons. My oldest daughter had spent over a year planning her wedding when COVID-19 hit and cancelled every vendor she'd booked: the venue, the DJ, the caterer, all of it. She and her fiancé chose not to wait. They eloped — just the two of them and a photographer — and it was one of the most beautiful days I've ever witnessed.

My younger daughter made a different calculation. Her father and her stepfather had both offered to contribute to her wedding. She looked at what a traditional wedding would cost, looked at what an elopement would cost, and made a mature, thoughtful decision: she would elope, keep the money, and invest it in her future. No pandemic. No pressure. Just a clear-eyed choice.

After two daughters eloped, I realized something: almost no good information existed for families navigating this. Every elopement resource was written for the couple. Nothing was written for the parent trying to understand, support, and celebrate a wedding that looked nothing like what they'd imagined. That's why I built this site.

What I Do

Since building this site, I've researched elopement packages and destinations across the US and internationally, cross-referencing costs against official sources and speaking directly with package coordinators. I write from the perspective of a family member who has been through the experience — not a wedding vendor with a financial stake in the outcome.

I do not accept payment for positive reviews. I do not rank packages based on affiliate commission rates. Every recommendation on this site reflects my honest assessment of what's best for couples, not what's best for my bottom line.

How This Site Makes Money

This blog earns revenue through two sources: Google AdSense display advertising and affiliate commissions from elopement package providers. When you click a link to a package provider and make a booking, I may receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you.

Affiliate relationships do not influence my editorial recommendations. I have declined affiliate partnerships with providers I don't recommend, and I recommend providers I do not have affiliate relationships with when they're the best option for a specific need.

Corrections & Updates Policy

Elopement package pricing, availability, and requirements change frequently. I review and update all content at least annually, and I update time-sensitive information (pricing, legal requirements, package inclusions) as soon as I become aware of changes.

To report an error or suggest an update, please contact me. I take accuracy seriously and appreciate every correction.